BAYTOWN — June 7, 2017 - Beginning June 8, Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital’s Weight Management Center will offer the Step LITESM  low calorie diet program to help Baytown area residents lose weight and keep it off.

Step LITE is offered by the Houston Methodist Weight Management Center and is designed to improve the health and overall wellbeing of participants. The program includes registered dieticians, mental health professionals, and exercise physiologists who share the tools needed to help participants lose weight and begin the journey to a healthier lifestyle.

“We are excited to offer this program to the Baytown area,” said Jamie Carr, director of the Houston Methodist Weight Management Program. “The Step LITE program is a comprehensive program with a multidisciplinary team of professionals. Participants will meet one-on-one with registered dieticians, mental health professionals and an exercise physiologist to ensure the program is designed to meet individual needs.”

Step LITE focuses on teaching participants the skills they need to enhance their chances of successfully managing their weight maintenance.

“Participants in the Step LITE program work closely with a registered dietician to develop a meal plan that includes meal replacements in conjunction with low calorie meal options,” Carr said. “The program also includes weekly check-ins and group sessions that discuss topics like making healthy lifestyle changes, stress reducers and healthier grab-and-go eating.”

The program’s objectives include developing a realistic, healthy approach to weight loss that is tailored to each participant’s needs; utilizing the group structure to promote day-to-day healthy lifestyle habits, and promoting a safe weight loss schedule of up to two pounds per week. This weight loss average varies according to gender, body type and activity levels. Participation also includes one-time MedGem® individualized metabolic rate testing.

Step LITE participants transition to a long-term maintenance program once their weight loss goals are achieved. As with any weight loss program, changing eating behavior patterns, making more healthful food choices and incorporating more physical activity will have a direct impact on long-term success.

Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital opened its Weight Management Center earlier this year to combat obesity in Baytown and the surrounding communities. The center provides personalized care for patients with conditions attributed to obesity through its multidisciplinary programs, including surgical options.

“Weight loss surgery helps patients cut their calorie intake, and this partnership creates a truly comprehensive program to help the patient make healthy lifestyle changes,” said Laura Choi, M.D., Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital bariatric surgeon. “Our program involves counseling and dietary education so patients can learn about their own eating habits and stay fit even after they lose the weight.”

For more information on the Step LITE program and the Weight Management Center at Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital, call 832.556.6046.

About Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital
Houston Methodist San Jacinto Hospital has provided Baytown and East Houston with quality medical care since opening its doors in 1948. The hospital has grown throughout the years with the community, providing comprehensive care at all stages of life. As a health care leader, the hospital is proud to have a fully integrated residency program focused on educating and inspiring future practitioners. Today, Houston Methodist San Jacinto provides some of the most advanced and innovative procedures while never losing focus on compassionate and patient-centered care. Houstonmethodist.org/sanjacinto.